Exterior


The new model has gentler, sweeping lines than the previous generation.  It’s 4-beam halogen head lights wrap around from the front and extend all the way up to the tops of the wheel well with a crease that follows all the way to the A pillar. In the rear, the C Pillar blends into the trunk giving it a sleeker look and making the cabin look and feel larger.  The rear brake lights wrap around the back further than the last generation and have a garnish that extends to the trunk lid.  There are front, side and rear bumper skirts and there’s a rear trunk spoiler.


 


Interior


Once you get in the driver’s seat behind the tilt-adjustable Electric Power Steering wheel, or in the rear, you can feel that there’s definitely more space inside.  The dark seat fabric is comfortable and looks pretty good with its light blue contrast stitching.  The top half of the interior is finished in a light grey, but despite that, there’s not much glare from sunlight as the dashboard and seats are dark.  The new dashboard and center console looks a little more symmetrical then the last generation, although it does open up to the passenger side.  The combination of piano black and brushed aluminum gives the interior just enough class with out making it too “executive-ish”, just enough sophistication for it’s category.  You get a three spoke leather wrapped steering wheel, a 7” Touch Screen CD/MP3 4 speaker entertainment system with WEBLINK for iOS and Android with Bluetooth, USB and AUX connectivity.   


 


Engine


Under the hood is a 1.3L Dual VVT-i, 4-Cylinder In-Line DOHC 16V EFI that puts out 98Hp at 6,000rpm and 123Nm of torque at 4,400rpm mated to a continuously variable transmission.  It runs quiet in city driving, but will let you hear its revs when you need to get around slow movers on the open road. 


 


Convenience and Safety


We’ve mentioned Electric Power Steering, you also get all around power windows with Jam Protection.  Power Door locks with keyless entry and power retractable side mirrors.  Safety features are driver, passenger side, side, curtain shield and knee airbags.  Vehicle Stability Control, Anti-lock Braking system (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution and Brake Assist.  Same as the front occupants, the rear passengers get a set of 3-point seatbelts too. 


 


This new Vios feels all grown up. You get a softer more civilized ride, with more interior space, and it also looks bigger and more refined on the outside. It feels and handles like the next category up.


 


This Vios isn’t fast, but is kitted out with a good safety suite which should give you peace of mind when on the road with friends or family. The 1.3 E PRIME is priced at P936,000 which may seem quite a bit for a subcompact sedan, but this has all the bells and whistles they can cram into the 1.3 variant. If you’re really want a rock bottom price, the base 1.3 M/T starts at P662,000.